EP 137: Keith Rabois and Zach Weinberg Debate: Are Tariffs a Smart Economic Weapon?

98 snips

Apr 9, 2025

Guest

Zach Weinberg

Guest

Keith Rabois

Keith Rabois, a venture capitalist known for his roles at PayPal and LinkedIn, joins Zach Weinberg, co-founder of Flatiron Health, in a fascinating debate on the strategic use of tariffs. They discuss how tariffs function as negotiation tools rather than just a means to bring back manufacturing jobs. The conversation dives into the trade deficit's relevance, the idea of using tariffs to replace income tax, and whether they can help combat drug trafficking. Their logical perspectives make for one of the most engaging economic debates yet.

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ANECDOTE

Fentanyl and Critical Minerals

Rabois cites fentanyl supply reduction as a key goal, arguing tariffs compel Canada and China to cooperate.
He also points out the US vulnerability regarding critical minerals.

INSIGHT

Tariffs as Statecraft

Keith Rabois views tariffs as a non-military tool for foreign policy and economic goals.
He believes they can achieve diplomatic and military goals by compelling other countries to cooperate.

ADVICE

Questioning Tariff Efficacy

Zach Weinberg questions the economic benefit of tariffs on countries like Vietnam.
He highlights Vietnam's role in circumventing tariffs on Chinese goods.

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Debate between Keith Rabois and Zach Weinberg on what tariffs are actually trying to accomplish. One core theme: Tariffs aren’t fully about “bringing back factories,” but rather a negotiation tool to eliminate foreign trade barriers - ultimately aiming to increase free trade, not restrict it.

We also got into:

- What each of them would do if they were in charge

- Whether the trade deficit is a meaningful metric or just a misunderstood talking point

- If tariffs could be part of an initiative to replace income tax — shifting toward a more consumption-based tax system

- If tariffs could successfully be used as a non-military tool to reduce drug supply to the US

- If there’s a major disconnect between the new administration’s rhetoric and the actual economic goals behind the policy

One of the deepest economic conversations from the show’s recent history — and a rare debate where both sides had real logic behind their views.

(00:00) Introduction and Host's Biases

(00:46) Keith's Perspective on Tariffs

(03:05) Zach's Perspective and Clarifying Questions

(05:14) Debating Tariff Strategies

(07:45) Economic Implications and Free Trade

(13:31) Trump's Tariff Policies and Goals

(16:57) Global Trade and Protectionism

(25:52) Final Thoughts on Tariffs and Trade

(29:16) Discussion on Trade Tariffs and Partners

(30:17) Impact of Tariffs on GDP and Debt

(31:20) Political Coalitions and Trade Policies

(32:00) Tariffs as Consumer Taxes

(33:30) Debate on Trade Deficit and Tariff Rates

(36:53) Regulatory Reforms and Economic Policies

(47:25) Fentanyl Crisis and Trade Negotiations

(51:06) Closing Remarks and Future Topics

Executive Producer: Rashad Assir

Producer: Leah Clapper

Mixing and editing: Justin Hrabovsky

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Logan Bartlett is a Software Investor at Redpoint Ventures - a Silicon Valley-based VC with $6B AUM and investments in Snowflake, DraftKings, Twilio, and Netflix. In each episode, Logan goes behind the scenes with world-class entrepreneurs and investors. If you're interested in the real inside baseball of tech, entrepreneurship, and start-up investing, tune in every Friday for new episodes.